The NFL Is Losing Money Because Of Suspensions? Wait just ONE second...

Image Credit: NYDailyNews.com

By: Kai Jones

Since 2012, the NFL has dealt with a major scandal every season. In 2012, it was the New Orleans Saints with Bountygate. In 2013, it was the Dolphins with Bullygate. This year, it has been multiple incidents: most famously Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, and Josh Gordon. The NFL suspension list has increased since Commissioner Roger Goodell came into office. In 2005, Ricky Williams was the only player suspended. In 2006, Goodell’s inaugural year as commissioner, it jumped to seven players suspended throughout the year. The number has seemingly increased almost every year, as Goodell tries to hold the players to a higher standard. But this year over 40 players have been suspended. That does not include Ray Rice who has been nearly erased from anything NFL related. Also does not include Peterson, who was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List for allegedly abusing his son; or Greg Hardy who was also placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List for his ongoing domestic violence case.

It seems like the NFL cannot avoid bad publicity this year, as the St. Louis Rams received outrage because they cut the first openly gay player: Michael Sam. Many believed he was cut for being gay. The Dallas Cowboys picked him up as a favor to the league, so the league could avoid more bad publicity as they were dealing with the backlash of Ray Rice’s domestic violence case. Sam was cut two days ago, and the league avoided the LGBT community’s backlash that they had began to receive after the Rams cut him. Other than that incident, it seems like the league’s image has taken a hit at almost every other angle. From having to suspend Josh Brent for intoxication manslaughter (a case from 2012) to Josh Gordon for drug abuse: but does it matter?

With all these suspensions and outrage from various groups you would think the NFL would be hit where it hurts (the wallet), right? Nope, the Super Bowl rematch received a 44 percent increase in TV ratings from the Super Bowl game, and Monday Night’s matchup between the Texans and Steelers received better TV ratings than MLB’s World Series Game 1. The NFL has moral issues, but do the owners really care considering their wallets aren’t hurt? Probably not, but do the fans care? Probably not, but Commissioner Goodell doesn’t care as long as he can flex his iron fist and receive his paycheck. It seems we all turn a blind eye to the shortcomings of these athletes. Even though these athletes play a gladiator sport, but at the end of the day they are just humans and make mistakes: so grab a beer and watch football since we all have our vices, even millionaire athletes. 

TGIF: RKO Out of Nowhere, Elgin and ROH Change Facebook RelationshipTo "It's Complicated", and More

Image Credit: wwe.com

Good day to you all and welcome to We Want Insanity. I am your host for today, Matt Dawgs and this is my column. Today is the end of the work week and the time to look back at all the goings-on over the past seven days as I wrap it up with a bow and spout it out bit by bit. Buckle up. As previously noted, you can catch my OTHER COLUMN which is the “ WWE NETWORK PPV OF THE WEEK ” where I and 3 friends discussed an old WWE/WCW/ECW PPV from the archives. Join us THIS SUNDAY as we review ECW “November to Remember 1998” and check it out to see if it is worth watching. Also check out this week’s “ THE QUESTION ” where James Guttman, James Bullock (why do we have two James writing for the site? We need to change his name to Stacy or something) and myself answer a random question each week.

MATT NOTE: R.I.P. to Ox Baker who passed away last week at age 80. Baker is best known for being the innovator of the infamous “Heart Punch” which coincidentally two men died in matches involving him (Alberto Torres and Ray Gunkel who died a few hours after). The heart punch move didn’t actually kill them but since it was the 70’s, urban legend became fact and it made him more popular and dangerous.

BONUS MATT NOTE: You want to make some money? You’ve heard of Network marketing and the infamous “pyramid schemes”? Well a new social media application just launched called TSU. You can go online and sign up or to through the app on iPhones and Androids. Just sign up through my link www.tsu.com/mattdawgs and start collecting revenue. How does it work you ask? Well the site has advertisements on it similar to Facebook. The only difference is that FB collects 100% of their ad revenue. On TSU, the users get a share and a bigger share if your friends actually click on the ads. Since you are collecting revenue from ads, once you hit $100, you can cash that out and collect it thus, $100 richer. You can collect each and every time you hit $100. So sign up, tell your friends to sign up and start getting that money.

- AVENGERS 2: AGE OF ULTRON TRAILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WWE NEWS AND NOTES:

- For what feels like the 19^th consecutive week in a row, WWE has main evented a RAW with some combination of John Cena/Dean Ambrose vs. Randy Orton/Seth Rollins/Kane. I am tired of this. It is the same product week in and week out. As noted, the aforementioned main event that features the same 5 guys in some fashion. They are always good for some sort of Goldust/Stardust vs. Usos match whether it is a six man or a singles match or a tag match. Let’s get A.J. and Paige together in the ring. They then book some sort of Mark Henry/Big Show vs. Rusev angle. We cannot forget about Dolph Ziggler/Sheamus involved with Cesaro/Miz/Mizdow and top it all off with some Brie vs. Nikki drama and boom, RAW is booked.

- Admittedly I do like the fact that in this day and age, when professional wrestlers as a unit come out in suits, it is an awesome visual. No homo. When the Authority OPENED THE SHOW all dressed in suits, it typically changes the way you look at them since most wrestlers are in their merchandise or used to be in street clothes. Too bad HHH’s promo said absolutely nothing of note and wasted 10 minutes.

- Oh LOOKY HERE....Usos and Sheamus vs. The Dust Brothers and Miz. Now look above and read my intro to the WWE News and Notes section. At least they subbed Miz for Damien Mizdow. Match was solid but the finish was great as Mizdow picks up the win following a roll up and holding of the tights on Sheamus. If you missed it, please go back and watch the Miz as he celebrates. It was GLORIOUS!!!!

- The Bray Wyatt setting Rowan and Harper free vignettes are AWESOME.

- So let me get this straight. Last week Ambrose fights Cena to get a chance to get his hands on Seth Rollins in the cage and as a consolation prize; John Cena is put in a number one contenders match for the WWE World Heavyweight Title? So on Sunday, Ambrose can effectively beat Rollins and Cena beats Orton and HE GETS THE TITLE SHOT INSTEAD OF AMBROSE???????

- Alicia Fox DEFEATS A.J. on RAW and Paige gets a title shot? Hmmmmmm?

- Too soon to be teasing Orton and Rollins since both men have other feuds/matches to worry about. I felt like RAW pushed Orton vs. Rollins harder than Orton vs. Cena or Rollins vs. Ambrose.

- The Orton/Cena promo. Cena made mention that he is a changed man from 2002 when they both debuted on the roster. Blah, blah, blah. Then out comes Paul Heyman who notes that in 2002 WWE had an incredible rookie class that not only included Orton and Cena but at the time, the rookie Brock Lesnar defeated the Rock to win the WWE Undisputed title. So in 2002, Brock was champion and in 2014, Brock is champion. Read that sentence again. To make a long story short, good to see Orton lay out both Cena and Heyman. It was a good way to tease Orton’s face turn and get him support. PS – RKO OUTTANOWHERE!!!! That is going to be a thing now from Michael Cole due to the viral videos so get used to it. He has been instructed to call it like that going forward.

- Hell in a Cell “ BY THE NUMBERS”.

- A Big E sighting on RAW? Where is his crew goddamnit? Are they ever going to debut them?

- Remember when Big E. was being pushed to the moon and linked with Cena? Good old days. Now, he’s just another guy. He did have a solid match with Rusev though.

- GOOD ANGLE with the US flag dropping instead of the Russian flag for Rusev. Too bad the planted US soldier sucked. They couldn’t find anyone else to take a bump for Rusev? Big Show wanting REVENGE was also good too.

- So someone in WWE management decided that they aren’t happy with the fact that Dean Ambrose is getting over and becoming super popular huh? That is the ONLY explanation for the lame backstage skit with Ambrose watching “See No Evil 2” in order to prepare for Kane followed by theRIDICULOUSLY AWFUL in ring promo with a prop dummy dressed as Rollins. My god this was one of the most cringe worthy segments in the history of terrible segments. They aren’t going to get him any points for being a “D-level” Steve Austin. This stuff makes him look lame instead of cutting edge and tough.

- For weeks now they have been hyping how Ambrose wants to kill Rollins. So Rollins comes out and he and Ambrose...talk. Then they are interrupted by surprise guest WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley. THIS WAS FANTASTIC. Foley cut a great promo explaining the severity of Hell in the Cell and emphasizing that regardless of the winner or loser on Sunday, both men’s careers are going to be changed forever following the match. Of course in real life this would be more meaningful if blood was allowed and someone sold the effects of HITC for more than a day since both will likely be on RAW the following night.

- See more here :  

http://www.wewantinsanity.com/am2/publish/Dawgs/T_G_I_F_with_Matt_Dawgs_102414.shtml#sthash.6YdOfksH.dpuf

Week 8 NFL, Picks, Storylines, Michael Sam, Mettenberger, Da Bears, and whole lot more

Wait for it. Wait for it. How ‘bout dem Cowboys? That is only the second time that phrase has been used here on Down the Line Sports and possibly not the last. The team is on fire and my pick for MVP, DeMarco Murray, is playing like is possessed. The entire offense is clicking on all cylinders and the defense is containing the opposing offenses. I expect the ‘Boys to get their next loss on November 23. They would be 9-1 going into that week 11 matchup with the New York Football Giants. By the way it has been a long time since I’ve heard a good Tony Romo joke.

Enough kissing up to Dallas! Congrats to Peyton Manning on overtaking Brett Favre as the all-time touchdown passer. Have a look at how many people he has thrown TD passes to.

By the way, that’s Peyton Manning not Gary Payton. Payton played in the NBA for the Seattle SuperSonics.

Week 8 Storylines

• Who are the Bengals and Bears? These two teams are pit-i-ful. Cincy has a great excuse A.J. Green has been injured and there really is no one that can take his place. The Bears need Jesus or whomever they collectively believe in.
• Will the real Atlanta Falcons please stand-up?
• Can Aaron Rodgers continue his hot streak against a pathetic New Orleans secondary?
• To the Cleveland Browns, please please please know that you are the Cleveland Browns. Why go for a first down last in the first half when you have the lead against the sorry Jags. Oh, and don’t be stupid. Brian Hoyer has been phenomenal quarterback for this team. Normally, the Brown would be 0-6, but because of him they are 3-3. Johnny Manziel has a comfortable seat on the bench don’t move him.
• Then, there are the Raiders.. Who cares??

Percy Harvin

Last week, Percy Harvin was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the New York J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS. Reports are still coming out as to why he was traded. Some are saying that he was disagreeable and he did not get along with Russell Wilson. Harvin will now pay for his sins. Would I rather Russell Wilson pass me the ball or Geno Smith? Whatever idiot just said Geno please excuse yourself from this conversation.

To read more on this click here for information.

Michael Sam

The Dallas Cowboys released Sam earlier this week. He had been on the practice squad since the season started. The team picked him up because they had a lack of health on the defensive line. Now that the defenders are healthy it really makes no sense to keep him around. Before the season started we knew it would be hard for him to make a team. I’m sure it really wasn’t from a lack of skill and I’m also sure it wasn’t because he gay. Let’s be real. There is a reason this story has not made a lot of noise. Simply put, he’s not that good, but I hope he gets another chance.

What a return to great we had last week! Nobody expected the Rams or the Dolphins to win last week, so we didn’t lose that much ground. I really can’t complain. Considering now that I have a .700 winning percentage. Any who to the picks…

Last Week: 11-4

Total: 70-35-1

Byes: San Francisco & New York (N)

DENVER over San Diego

ATLANTA over Detroit   Game in London. Kickoff is at 8:30 AM Eastern.

Buffalo over NEW YORK (A)

Baltimore over CINCINNATI

NEW ENGLAND over Chicago

Miami over JACKSONVILLE

Minnesota over TAMPA BAY

Seattle over CAROLINA

TENNESSEE over Houston

KANSAS CITY over St. Louis

ARIZONA over Philadelphia

CLEVELAND over Oakland    If you watch this game you should be committed!

Indianapolis over PITTSBURGH

Green Bay over NEW ORLEANS

DALLAS over Washington

Please comment, as I value all opinions.

Make sure you follow the blog and also follow me on twitter @regisjwelch.

Have a great week!

Hip Hop Is Dead. Why ZERO Albums Have Went Platinum in 2014.

Image Credit: 2DopeBoyz.com

by: Dana P. (E.I.C.) 

A$AP Yams, co-owner of the A$AP Mob, took it to his Twitter to call 2014 "the worst year in rap history." Many disagreed and thought he was just downright crazy for saying such a thing. However, numbers don't lie so, let's check the scoreboard!

It's been a tough race in 2014, and unfortunately for those who dropped albums, no ones quite made it to the finish line. Week one numbers for Rick Ross' "Mastermind" and Young Jeezy's "Seen It All" came in strong, but not strong enough. Iggy Azalea's "The New Classic," along with Wiz Khalifa's "Blacc Hollywood" had a tough time passing 400,000! But are these artists really hip hop artists?

According to Billboard, ZERO albums have yet to go platinum in 2014. 

Is hip hop dead? Can any REAL hip hop artists step up to the plate, change the game back to the way it should be, and come back with a strong victory here? Nas, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar --we NEED you! 

Eminem, Fabolous and T.I. are all set to drop new albums  this fall. Let's hope they come through clutch with some dope material and SAVE the little bit left we have of 2014 and finish off strong by starting off 2015 the RIGHT way!

Jim Jones Extends His 'VampLife' Brand By Releasing New Soda This Halloween

by: Dana P. (E.I.C.)

Dipsets own Jim Jones is catering to all you thirsty folks out there! Even better, he's doing it for those who are about that '#VampLife !' 

Jim Jones joined Angela Yee, DJ Envy & Charlamagne Tha God on the Power 105.1 Breakfast Club, to talk about his newest project in the works, "Vamp Soda."

Capo discusses teaming up with Top Pop as the first flavor of "Vamp Soda" will be "Vamp Berry." 

According to XXLMag.com

"Distribution for the cold beverage will begin in his hometown of New York and will disseminate over to states including New Jersey, Florida, Virginia, Georgia, Texas, California, Ohio, and Illinois. Why did Jimmy join the soda business you ask?"

Vamp Soda is set to be released in stores beginning on October 31st, 2014. 

WWE Monday Night Raw, Kansas City Recap: No Place to Run, No Place to Hide. The Cell Is No Ordinary Scenario.

Image Credit: wwe.com

Mick Foley returns to Monday Night Raw to visit an old friend, the steel structure, and to share some advice with the ex-members of The Sheild. Apparently, everyone had something to say last night. There wasn't much wrestling happening. If you blinked, you would have missed a match or two. Not that I'm complaining. I'd rather listen to Paul Heyman than have to watch a longer, boring Diva's match. 

We were doing so well not mentioning Brock Lesnar the last couple weeks. As Hunter gives his pep talk for Hell in a Cell, he announces the winner of Cena's Orton will take on Lesnar for the World Heavy Weight Title. He also promises the PPV will be a good show. "Being in the cell changes your life. Make The Authority proud." Heyman comes out a little later to interrupt a scuffle between Superstars. Cena threatens Heyman with an Attitude Adjustment, then chickens out. Orton delivers an RKO to both men leaving them out cold. 

Raw's main event was a 3 on 2 handicap street fight which ended in the steel cage. Chairs, tables, kendo sticks, even the cage became a weapon. Orton hits Ambrose with an RKO for the win just to endure a curb stomp from his friend, Seth Rollins. 

I couldn't believe my eyes as Foley waddles down the ramp. Seeing that beard in the ring gave me goosebumps. Foley returns to Raw to educate these naive rivals!!! Rollins and Ambrose are not ready for Hell in a Cell. Somebody is going to get seriously injured! You don't win in the cage, you survive the cage. 

"The scars you will not heal from, the scars that will haunt you for a lifetime are the emotional wounds that will not heal." 

HAVE A NICE DAY!

-Loveblump

Twitter: @LoveBlump

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Melissa Howe, Playboy Playmate & Hip Hop video vixen.

Image Credit: Melissa Howe's official Twitter (@MelissaHowe1990)

by: Dana P. (E.I.C.)

Melissa Howe, who is one half of the Howe Twins, calls into HipHop ShortStop to talk about her career as a Hip Hop music video vixen, and Playboy Playmate! This British hottie, who resides in Los Angeles, has appeared in videos for Snoop Dogg, & 50 Cent. She has also played a small part in a movie scene with Wiz Khalifa. 

Due to some technical difficulties, we were unable to do a Skype video interview. But not to worry!  We were able to pick up audio & have gathered some HOT photos of Melissa with her twin sister, as well as photos of her with multiple celebrities! 

Listen to her cute little British accent as you will also hear her talk about "420," partying at the Playboy Mansion with P Diddy & Chris Brown (just to name a few), and much more!